Chelsea have been dealt a major setback following confirmation that new signing Liam Delap will be sidelined for up to three months with a hamstring injury. The young English striker, who joined the Blues this summer from Ipswich, has made an immediate impact since his arrival, featuring in all three of Chelsea’s opening fixtures this season. However, his progress has been interrupted after he was forced off the pitch just 14 minutes into the recent 2-0 victory over Fulham.
The injury comes as a huge disappointment for both the player and the club. Delap, known for his physical presence and clinical finishing, was beginning to establish himself as a key option in Enzo Maresca’s attacking setup. The Chelsea boss confirmed that the forward is expected to be out of action for around 10 to 12 weeks, stressing that the recovery process will take time and careful management.
This setback adds to Chelsea’s growing list of injury concerns early in the campaign. Attacking midfielder Cole Palmer is also unavailable as he continues to battle groin issues, leaving the squad without one of its most creative outlets. Furthermore, another summer acquisition, Alejandro Garnacho, is yet to make his debut for the club. Having arrived from Manchester United, Garnacho is still working on his fitness and integration, meaning Chelsea’s attacking depth is now under considerable strain.
The timing of these injuries is far from ideal, with Chelsea preparing for a challenging run of fixtures, including a crucial clash against Brentford in the Premier League. Supporters had been optimistic about the new signings bringing fresh energy and firepower to the team, but Maresca will now have to rethink his plans and rely on other squad members to step up.
Despite the frustrations, there remains hope that once fully fit, both Delap and Garnacho can play pivotal roles in Chelsea’s season. The club has invested heavily in youth and talent during the summer transfer window, and while injuries have disrupted the early stages, the long-term vision remains unchanged. For now, Chelsea fans will be hoping the team can cope without their sidelined stars and maintain momentum in the Premier League.
